Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN~ION
. . _ . .
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotating display
element which is provided with a display surface structure
having a plurality of display suxfaces and is arranged to
select one of the display surfaces by rotating the display
surface structure. Furthermore, the invention pertains to
a display unit using such a rotating display element.
Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, various rotating display elements o~ this
kind have been proposed, which are defective in that a
rotating mechanism for driving the display surface structure
must be provided separately of the rotating display element,
or in that a selected one of the display surfaces of the
display surface structure does not assume its correct posi-
tion.
Furthermore, a variety of display units using the
rotating display element have also been proposed in the
past but, in addition to the abovesaid defects of the
rotating display element, the conventional display units
possess the drawback of involving the use of complex means
for selecting the plurality of display surfaces of the
display surface structure of the rotating display element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to
2~D
provide a novel rotating display element free from the
abovesaid defects and a display unit using such a display
element.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrat-
ing an embodiment of the display unit emeploying the rotat-
ing display element of the present invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 are a plan view and a front view, partly
in section, showing an example of the rotating display
element used in the display unit of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a side view, partly in section, as viewed
from the line IV-IV in Fig. 2;
Figs. 5 to 12, inclusive, are schematic diagrams ex-
planatory of the operation of the display unit of the
present invention shown in Fig. l;
Figs. 13 and 14 are a plan view and a front view,
partly in section, illustrating another example of the
rotating display element of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a side view, partly in section, as viewed
from the line XV-XV in Fig. 13;
Figs. 16 and 17 are a plan view and a front view,
3~
partly in section, illustrating ano-ther example of the
rotating display element of the present invention;
Fig. 18 is a side view, partly in section, as viewed
from the line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 16;
Figs. 19 to 26, inclusive, are schematic diagrams
illustrating the display unit of the present invention
employing the rotating display element shown in Figs. 16
through 18 and explanatory of its operation;
Figs. 27 and 28 are a plan view and a front view,
partly in section, illustrating still a further example of
the rotating display element of the present invention; and
Fig. 29 is a side view, partly in section, as viewed
rom the line XXI~-XXI~ in Fig. 27.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMsoDIMENTs
Fig. 1 illustrates, in perspective, an embodiment of
the display unit employing rotating display element of the
present invention. The display unit is provided with the
rotating display element (hereinafter referred to as the
display element for the sake of brevity) E and a driving
device G for driving them.
The display element E has a display surface structure
D and a permanent magnet type stepping motor mechanism
(hereinafter referred to simply as motor mechanism) identi
fied by Q in Figs. 2 to 4.
As will be seen from Figs. 2 to 4, an example of the
- 4 -
~Z~ Z9
display surface structure D has a tubular body and four
display panels Hl to H4 disposed at 90 intervals around
its axis. On the outer surfaces of the four display panels
Hl to H4 are formed display surfaces Fl to F4, respectively.
An example of the motor mechanism Q has a rotary shaft
11, on which is mounted a double-pole permanent magnet
member M having north and south magnetic poles.
The north and south magnetic poles of the double-
pole permanent magnet member M are spaced apart an angular
distance of 180 across the rotary shaft 11. The double-
pole permanent magnet member M comprises two double-pole
permanent magnets Ma and Mb disposed side by side in the
lengthwise direction of the rotary shaft 11. The one
double-pole permanent magnet Ma is a disc-shaped one, which
is magnetized with north and south magnetic poles at dia-
metrically opposite positions. The other double-pole
permanent magnet Mb is a bar-shaped one, the both free end
portions of which are respectively magnetized with north
and south magnetic poles at angular intervals of 180 in
the radial direction of the rotary shaft 11. The north
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnents Ma and
Mb are disposed at the same rotational angular position around
the rotary shaft 11 and, consequently, the south magnetic
poles of the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb are
also disposed at the same rotational angular position
around the rotary shaft 11.
The rotary shaft 11 and the double-pole permanent
magnet M constitute a rotor R of the motor mechanism Q.
The rotor R of the motor mechanism Q is rotatably
supported by a support 15 composed of left, right and rear
panels 12, 13 and 14~ That is, the rotaxy shaft 11 forming
the rotor R is rotatably mounted to extend between the left
and the right panels 12 and 13 of the support 15.
An example of the motor mechanism Q comprises a magnetic
member Bl which has magnetic poles Pl and P2 acting on the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnent member M, a magnetic member B2 which similarly has
magnetic poles P3 and P4 acting on the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-po]e permanent magneti member
M, an exciting winding Ll wound on the magnetic member Bl
in a manner to excite the magnetic poles Pl and P2 in
reverse polarities, and an exciting winding L2 wound on the
magnetic member B2 in a manner to excite the magnetic poles
P3 and P4 in reverse polarities.
The magnetis poles Pl and P2 of the magnetic member Bl
are spaced apart at angular intervals of 180 around the axis
of the rotor R, i.e. the rotary shaft 11. The magnetic
pole P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are spaced apart
at angular intervals of 90 around the axis of the rotor R
and accordingly the rotary shaft 11.
3~
The magne-tic pole Pl of the magnetic member Bl has
magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb disposed at 90 intervals
around the rotary shaft ll of the rotor R. The magnetic
pole P2 of the magnetic member Bl also has magnetic pole
portions P2a and P2b similarly disposed at 90 intervals
around the rotary shaft 11 of the rotor R.
The magnetic members Bl and B2 and the exciting windings
Ll and L2 make up a stator S of the motor mechanism ~.
The stator S of the motor mechanism Q is fixedly sup-
ported by the aforementioned support 15. That is~ the
magnetic member Bl and the exciting winding Ll wound there-
on are fixed to the support 15 through a support rod 16
which extends between the position of the exciting winding
Ll and the inner side wall of the right panel 13 of the
support 15. Likewise the magnetic member B2 and the excit-
ing winding L2 wound thereon are fixed to the support 15
through a support rod 17 which extends between the position
of the exciting winding L2 and the inner side wall of the
left panel 12 of the support 15.
The display surface structure D is mounted on the rotor
R of the motor mechanism Q in such a manner that it houses
therein the motor mechanism Q. That is, four support rods
Kl to K4, extending in the radial direction of the rotary
shaft 11 at 90 intervals, are fixed at one end to the
rotary shaft ll between the double-pole permanent magnets
Ma and Mb mounted thereon~ the free ends of the support
rods Kl to K4 being secured to the display panels Hl to H4
of the display surface structure D on the inside thereof.
In this case, the display surface structure D is
mounted on the rotor R in such a manner that, as shown in
Figs. 5 and 9, the display surface Fl of the display surface
structure D faces the front when the rotor R assumes such
a first rotational position where the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are
opposite to the magnetic pole portions Pla and P2b of the
magnetic member Bl, respectively, and the north magnetic
pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is opposite to
the magnetic pole P3 of the magnetic member B2.
As shown in Figs. 6 and 10, the display surface F4 of the
display surface structure D faces the front when the rotor
R assumes such a fourth rotational position where the north
and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet
Ma confront the magnetic pole portions Plb and P2a of the
magnetic member sl, respectively, and the north magnetic
pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb confronts the
magnetic pole portion P4 of the magnetic member B2.
As shown in Figs. 7 and 11, the display surface F2 faces
the front when the rotor R assumes such a second rotational
position where the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma are opposite to the magnetic
~2~
pole portions P2a and Plb of the magnetic member B2,
respectively, and the south magnetic pole of the double-
pole permanent magnet member Mb is opposite to the magnetic
pole portion P4 of the magnetic member B2. Furthermore, as
shown in Figs. 8 and 12, the display surface F3 faces the
front when the rotor R assumes such a third rotational
position where the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma confront the magnetic pole
portions P2b and Pla of the magnetic member Bl, respectively,
and the south magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb confronts the magnetic pole portion P3 of the
magnetic member B2.
As illustrated in Figs. 5 to 12, the driving device G
is provided with power supply means Jl for supplying power
to the exciting winding Ll so that the magnetic poles Pl
(Pla and Plb~ and P2 (P2a and P2b) of the magnetic member
Bl are magnetized with north and south magnetic poles,
respectively, power supply means J2 for supplying power to
the exciting winding Ll so that the magnetic poles Pl (Pla
and Plb) and P2 (P2a and P2b) of the magnetic member Bl
are magnetized with south and north magnetic poles,
respectively, power supply means J3 for supplying power to
the exciting winding L2 so that the magnetic poles P3 and
P4 of the magnetic member B2 are magnetized with north and
south magnetic poles, respectively, and power supply means
J4 for supplying poer to the exciting wlnding L2 so that
the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with south and north magnetic poles, respective-
ly .
The power supply means Jl has, for instance, such an
arrangement that a DC power source 20 is connected at the
positive side to one end of the exciting winding Ll via a
movable contact c and a fixed contact a of a change-o~ler
switch Wl and connected at the negative side -to the mid
point of the exciting winding Ll directly.
The power supply means J2 has, for example, such an
arrangement that the DC power source 20 is connected at
the positive side to the other end of the exciti.ng wind-
ing Ll via the movable contact c and the other fixed
contact b of the change-over switch Wl and connected at
the negative side to the mid point of the exciting wind-
ing Ll.
The power supply means J3 has, for instance, such an
arrangement that the DC power source 20 is connected at
the positive side to one end of the exciting winding L2 via
a movable contact c and a fixed contact b of a change-over
switch W2 and connected at the negative side to the mid
point of the exciting winding L2 directly.
The power supply means J4 has, for example, such an
arrangement that the DC power source 20 is connected at
~ 10 --
3~
the positive side to the other end of the exciting wind-
ing L2 via the movable contact c and the other fixed
contact a of the change-over switch W2 and connected at the
negative side to the mid point of the exciting winding L2.
The foregoing is a description of the arrangement of
an embodiment of the display unit employing the rotating
display element according to the present invention. Next,
a description will be given of details of the arrangement
and its operation.
With such an arrangement as described in the fore-
going, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q has the double-
pole permanent magnet member M comprising the two double-
pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb mounted on the rotary
shaft 11. The north magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnets Ma and Mb lie at the same rotational
angular position around the rotary shaft 11, and the south
magnetic poles of the both permanent magnets Ma and Mb lie
at the same rotational angular position spaced an angular
distance of 180 from the north magnetic poles. On the
other hand, the stator S of the motor mechanism Q has the
magnetic member Bl which is provided with the magnetic
poles Pl and P2 spaced a 180 angular distance apart around
the rotary shaft 11, for ac-ting on the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma, and
the magnetic member B2 which has the magnetic poles P3 and
-- 11 --
P4 disposed at 90 interYals around the rotar~ shaft 11,
for acting on the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Mb. The magnetic pole Pl of
the magnetic member Bl comprises the magnetic pole portions
Pla and Plb disposed at 90 intervals around the rotary
shaft 11, and the magnetic pole P2 comprises the magnetic
pole portions P2a and P2b similarly disposed at 90 inter-
vals around the rotary shaft ll.
With such an arrangement, in the case where the mov-
able contacts c of the change-over switch Wl and W2 are
connected to the fixed contacts _ which are not connected
to the exciting windings Ll and L2 and, consequently,
neither of the exciting windings Ll and L2 of the stator
~ is supplied with power, the rotor R of the motor mecha-
nism Q assum~s the aforementioned first rotational positionwhere the north and south magnetic poles of the double-
pole permanent magnet Ma are opposite to the magnetic pole
portions Pla and P2b of the magnetic member B2, respective-
ly, and the north magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb is opposite to the magnetic pole P3 of the
magnetic member B2 as illustrated in Fig. 5, the fourth
rotational position where the north and south magnetic
poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are opposite
to the magnetic pole portions Plb and P2a of the magnetic
member Bl, respectively, and the north magnetic pole of
- 12 -
~z~
the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is opposite to the
magnetic pole portion P4 of the magnetic member B2 as
shown in Fig. 6, the second rotational position where the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma are opposite to the magnetic pole portions P2a
and Plb of the magnetic member Bl, respectivelv, and the
south magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb
is opposite to the magnetic pole portion P4 of the magnetic
member B2 as shown in Fig. 7, or the third rotational
position where the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent Ma are opposite to the magnetic pole
portions P2b and Pla of the magnetic member Bl, respective-
ly, and the south magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb is opposite to the magnetic pole portion P3 of
the magnetic member B2 as illustrated in Fig. 8.
Furthermore~ as described previously, the display
surface structure D is mounted on the rotor R so that the
display surfaces Fl to F4 respectively face the front when
the rotor R assumes the abovesaid rotational positions.
Now, let it be assumed that the display element E is
in such a first state that the rotor R of the motor mecha-
nism Q lies at the first rotational position and, conse
quently, the display surface Fl faces the front. In this
case, if the power source 20 is connected via the power
supply means J2 to the exciting winding Ll and then
~2~
connected via the power supply means J4 to the exciting
winding L2 as shown in Fig. 9, the display element E is
retained in the first state for the reason given below.
That is to say, by the power supply to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the magnetic
poles Pl (.the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb) and P2
(the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the magnetic
member Bl are magnetized with south and north magnetic
poles, respectively, but, in this case, since the north
and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma are opposite to the magnetic pole portions Pla
and P2b, respectively, no torque is produced in the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma. And by the power supply
to the exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4,
the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with south and north magnetic poles, respective-
ly, but, ir, this case, no torque is produced in the double-
pole permanent magnet Mb, either, since the north magnetic
pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is opposite to
the magnetic pole P3.
In the case where the display element E is in the
above-mentioned first state as shown in Fig. 5, if the
power source is connected via the power supply means J2 to
the exciting winding Ll and then connected via the power
supply means J3 to the exciting winding L2 as shown in Fig. 10,
- 14 -
the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes the afore-
said fourth rotational position and1 as a result of this,
the display element E is changed over from the first state
to a fourth state in which the display surface F4 faces
the front.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles P1 (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are megnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, but, in this case, no torque
is generated in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma since
the north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnet Ma confront the magnetic pole portions Pla
and P2b, respectively. By the power supply to the exciting
winding L2 via the power supply means J3, however, the
magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with north and south magentic poles and, in this
case, since the north magnetic pole of the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb confronts the magnetic pole P3,
counterclockwise torque is produced in the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb to turn it counterclockwise, together
with the double-pole permanent magnet Ma.
In consequence, the north and south magnetic poles of
the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are moved into opposing
- 15 -
relation to the magnetic pole portions Plb and P2a of the
magnetic member Bl now acting as the south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, and the north magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is brought into
opposing relation to the magnetic pole P~ of the magnetic
member B2 now serving as the south magnetic pole. Once
the display element E is brought into such a state, torque
is no longer produced in the double-pole permanent magnets
Ma and Mb.
In the case where the display element E is in the
aforementioned Eirst state shown in Fig. 5, if the power
source is connected via the power supply means Jl to the
exciting winding Ll and then connected via the power supply
means J4 to the exciting winding L2 as shown in Fig. 11,
the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes the aforesaid
second rotational position and, as a result of this, the
display element E is changed over from the first state to
a second state in which the display surface F2 faces the
front.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively.
- 16 -
~2~
In this case, since the north and south magnetic poles of
the double-pole permanent magnet Ma confront the magnetic
pole portions Pla and P2b, clockwise torque is generated
in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma to turn it clockwise,
along with the double-pole permanent magnet Mb.
In consequence, the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma are turned into opposing
relation to the magnetic pole portions P2a and Plb of the
magnetic member Bl now serving as the south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, and the south magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is turned into op-
posing relation to the magnetic pole P4 of the magnetic
member B2. Then, by the power supply to the exciting wind-
ing L2 via the power supply means J4, the magnetic poles
P3 and P4 are magneti~ed with south and north magnetlc
poles. In this case, since the south magnetic pole of the
double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magne-
tic pole P4, no torque is generated in the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb. After all, the north and south magne-
tic poles of the double-pole permanent magne-t Ma are op-
posite to the magnetic pole portions P2a and Plb of the
magnetic member Bl now acting as the south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, and the south magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is opposite to the
magnetic pole P4 of the magnetic member s2 now serving as
- 17 -
the north magnetic pole. Once the display element E is
brought into such a state, torque is no longer generated
in either of the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
In the first state of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 5, if the power source is connected via the power
supply means Jl to the exciting winding Ll and then con-
nected via the power supply means J3 to the exciti3lg winding
L2 as shown in Fig. 12, the rotor R of the motor mechanism
Q assumes the aforementioned third rotational position,
resulting in the display element E being changed over from
the first state to a third state in which the display sur~
face F3 faces the front.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portlons P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively-. In this case, since the
north and south magnetic poles of the double~-pole permanent
magnet Ma lie in opposing relation to the magnetic pole
portions Pla and P2b, respectively, clockwise torque is
produced in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma to turn it
clockwise, along with the double-pole permanent magnet Mb.
In consequence, the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma are moved into opposing
- 18 -
~3
relation to the magnetic pole portions P2a and Plb o~ the
magnetic member Bl now acting as the south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, and the south magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is moved into op-
posing relation to the magnetic pole P4 of the magnetic
member B2. Then, by the power supply to the exciting wind-
ing L2 via the power supply means J3, the magnetic poles
P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 axe magnetized with
north and south magnetic poles, respectively,
In this case, since the south magnetic pole of the double-
pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magnetic
pole P4, clockwise torque is generated in the double~pole
permanent magnet Mb to turn it clockwise, along with the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma. In consequence, the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma are turned into opposing relation to the magnetic
pole portions P2b and Pla of the magnetic member B1 now
acting as the south and north magnetic poles, respectively,
and the south magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb is turned into opposing relation to the magnetic
pole P3 of the magnetic member B2 now serving as the north
magnetic pole. Once the display element E is brought into
such a state, no torque is no longer is produced in either
of the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
Now, let it be assumed that the display element E is
-- 19 --
~Z~43~9
held in the aforesaid fourth state shown in Fig. 6 in
which the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes the
fourth rotational position where the display surface F4 of
the display sur~ace structure D faces the front.
In this case, the display element E is retained in the
fourth state by connecting the power source to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means J2 and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J3 as shown
in Fig. 10.
The reason is as follows: sy the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, since the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
maynet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole portions Plb
and P2a, respectively, no torque is generated in the double
pole permanent magnet Ma. Then, by the power supply to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J3, the
magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with north and south magnetic poles, respective-
ly, but, in this case, since the north magnetic pole of the
double-pole permanent magnet Mb is opposite to the magnetic
pole P4, torque is not produced in the double-pole permanent
- 20 -
magnet Mb, either.
In the fourth state of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 6, if the power source is connected via the power
supply means J2 to the exciting winding Ll and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4 as shown
in Fig. 9, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes the
first rotational position, by which the display element E
is changed over from the fourth state to the first state
in which the display surface Fl faces the front, and re-
tained in this state.
The reason is as foll~ws: By the power supply to theexciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member B1 are magnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, since the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole portions Plb
and P2a, respectively, not torque is generated in the double-
pole permanent magnet Ma. By the power supply to the ex-
citing winding L2 via the power source means J4 however,
the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with south and north magnetic poles, respective-
ly. And, in this case, since the north magnetic pole of the
double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magnetic
pole P4, clockwise torque is generated in the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb to turn it clockwise, along with -the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma. In consequence, the north
and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet
Ma are brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole
portions Pla and P2b of the magnetic member Bl now serving
as the south and north magnetic poles, respectively, and the
north magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb
is brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole P3
of the magnetic member B2 now serving as the south magnetic
pole. Once the display element E is brought into such a
state, torque is no longer produced in either of the
- double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
In the fourth state of the disp]ay element E, shown in
Fig. 6, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means Jl and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4 as shown
in Fig. ll, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes
the second rotational position and, as a result of this,
the display element E is changed over from the fourth state
to the second state in which the display surface F2 faces
the front, and held in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
- 22 -
2~
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of th.e
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, since the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole
portions Plb and P2a, counterclockwise torque is produced
in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma to turn it counter-
clockwise, along with the double-pole permanent magnet Mb.
In consequence, the north and south magnetic poles of -the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma are moved into opposing
relation to the magnetic pole portions P2b and Pla of the
magnetic member Bl now serving as the south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, and the south magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is moved into op-
posing relation to the magnetic pole P3 of the magneticmember B2. Then, by the power supply to the e~citing
winding L2 via the power supply means J4, the magnetic
poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are magnetized
with south and north magnetic poles, respectively. And,
in this case, since the south magnetic pole of the double
pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magnetic pole
P3, counterclockwise torque is produced in the double~pole
permanent magnet Mb to turn it counterclockwise, along with
the double-pole permanent magnet Ma. In consequence, the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
.. . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . . ..
. .
- 23 -
magnet Ma are brought into opposing relation to the magne-
tic pole portions P2a and Plb of the magn~tic member Bl now
acting as the south and north magnetic poles, respectively,
and the south magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb is brought into opposing relation to the magnetic
pole P4 of the magnetic member B2 now acting as the north
magnetic pole. And once the display element E is brought
into such a sta-te, the torque is no longer produced in
either of the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
In the fourth state of the di.splay element E, shown in
Fiy. 6, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means Jl and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J3 as shown
in Fig. 12, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes
the third rotational position and, as a result of this,
the display element E is changed over from the fourth
state to the third state in which the display surface F3
faces the front, and retained in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles P1 (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, since the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
- 24 -
magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole portions Plb
and P2a, respectively, counterclockwise torque is generat-
ed in the double-pole permanent magent Ma to turn it
counterclockwise, along with the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb. In consequence, the north and south magnetic
poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are brought
into opposing relation to the magnetic pole portions P2b
and Pla of the magnetic member B1 now functioning as the
south and norht magnetic poles, respectively, and the south
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is
brought into opposing relation to the magnetlc pole P3 of
the magnetic mem~er B2. Then, by the power supply to the
e~citing widing L2 via the power supply means J3, the
magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with north and south magnetic poles, respective-
ly. And, in this case, since the south magnetic pole of the
double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magne-
tic pole P3, no torque is generated in the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb. After all, the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma lie
opposite to the magnetic pole portions P2b and Pla of the
magnetic member Bl acting as the south and north magnetic
poles, respectively, and the south magnetic pole of the
double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magne-
tic pole P3 of the magnetic member B2 acting as the north
- 25 -
329
magnetic pole. Once the display element E is brought into
such a state, torque is no longer produced in either of
the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
Now, let it be assumed that the display element E is
held in the aforesaid second state shown in Fig. 7 in which
the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes the second
rotational position where the display surface F2 of the
display surface structure D faces the front. In this case,
the display element E is retained in the second state by
connecting the power source to the exciting winding Ll via
the power supply means J2 and to the exciting winding L2
via the power supply means J4 as shown in Fig. 11.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J1, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member B1 are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, however,
since, the north and south magnetic poles of the double-
pole permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic poleportions P2a and Plb, respectively, no torque is generated
in the double-pole permanent magnet ~a. Then, by the power
supply to the exciting winding L2 via the power supply
means J4, the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic
member B2 are magnetized with south and north magnetic poles,
- 26 -
respectively. In this case, howe~er, since the south
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies
opposite to the magnetic pole P4, torque is not generated
in the double-pole permanent magnet Mb, either.
In the second state of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 7, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means J2 and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4 as shown
in Fig. 9, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes
the aforementioned first rotational position and, as a
result of this, the display element E is changed oYer from
the second state to the first state in which the display
surface Fl faces the front, and retained in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively. And, in this case, since
the north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole
portions P2a and Plb, respectively, counterclockwise torque
is generated in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma to turn
it counterclockwise, along with the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb. In consequence, the north and south magnetic
- 27 -
2~
poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are turned
into opposing relation to the magnetic pole portions ~la and
P2b of the magnetic member Bl, respectively, and the north
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is
brought into opposlng relation to the magnetic pole P3 of
the magnetic member B2. Then, by the power supply to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4, the
magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with south and north magnetic poles, respective-
ly. And, in this case, since the north magnetic pole ofthe double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the
magnetic pole P3, no torque is generated in the double-
pole permanent magnet Mb. After all, the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are
moved into opposing relation to the magnetic pole portions
Pla and P2b of the magnetic member Bl now serving as the
south and north magnetic poles, respectively, and the north
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is
moved into opposing relation to the magnetic pole P3.
Once the display element E is brought into such a state,
torque is no longer produced in elther of the double-pole
permanent magnets Ma and Mb~
In the second state of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 7, if the power source is connected to the exci-ting
winding Ll via the power supplymeans J2,and then to the
- 28 -
zg
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J3 as shown
in Fig. 10, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes
the aforementioned fourth rotational position and, as a
result of this, the display element E is changed over from
the second state to the fourth state in which the display
surface F4 faces the front, and held in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b~ of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, however,
since the south and north magnetic poles of the double-
pole permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole
portions Plb and P2a, respectively, counterclockwise torque
is generated in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma to turn
it counterclockwise, along with the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb, by which the north and south magnetic poles of
the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are brought into op-
posing relation to the magnetic pole portions Pla and P2bof the magnetic member Bl now serving as the south and
north magnetic poles, respectively, and the north magnetic
pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is brought
into opposing relation to the magnetic pole P3 of the
magnetic member B2. Then, by the power supply to the
- 29 -
325a
exciting winding L2 via the power supply ~eans J3, the
magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with north and south magnetic poles, respective-
ly. And, in this case, since the north magnetic pole of
the double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the
magnetic pole P3, counterclockwise torque is produced in
the double-pole permanent magnet Mb to turn it counter-
clockwise, along with the double-pole permanent magnet Ma.
In consequence, the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma are brought into opposing
relation to the magnetic pole portions Plb and P2a now
serving as the south and north magnetic poles, respectively,
and the north magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb is brought into opposing relation to the magnetic
pole P4 of the magnetic member B2 now serving as the south
magnetic pole. And once the display element E is brought
into such a state, torque is no longer generated in either
of the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
In the second state of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 7, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means Jl and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J3 as shown
in Fig. 12, then the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q as-
sumes the aforementioned third rotational position and,
consequently, the display element ~ is changed over from
- 30 -
the second state to the third state in which the display
surface F3 faces the front, and retained in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding L1 via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles P1 (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member B1 are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, however,
since the north and south magnetic poles of the double-
pole permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magneticpole portions P2a and Plb, respectively, no torque is
generated in the double-pole permanent magnet Ma. Then,
by the power supply to the exciting winding L~ via the
power supply means J3, however, the magnetic poles P3 and
P4 of the magnetic member B2 are magnetized with north and
south magnetic poles, respectively. And, in this case,
since the south magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb lies opposite to the magnetic pole P4, clockwise
torque is produced in the double-pole permanent magnet Mb
to turn it clockwise, along with the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma. In consequence, the north and south magnetic
poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are brought
into opposing relation to the magnetic pole portions P2b
and Pla of the magnetic member sl now seving as the south
and north magnetic poles, respectively, and the south
- 31 -
~Z~ 3~
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is
brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole P3 of
the magnetic member B2 now serving as the north magnetic
pole. And once the display element E is brought into such
a state, torque is no longer genrated in either of the
double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
Now, let it be assumed that the display element E is
held in the aforesaid third state shown in Fig. 8 in which
the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes the third
rotational position where the display surface ~3 of the
display surface structure D faces the front. In this case,
the display element E is retained in the third state by
connecting the power source to the exciting winding Ll via
the power supply means Jl and then to the exciting winding
L2 via the power supply means J3 as shown in Fig. 12.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, however, since
the south and north magnetic poles of the double-pole perma-
nent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole portions
Pla and P2b, respectively, no torque is produced in the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma. Then, by the power supply
- 32 -
to the exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J3,
the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are
magnetized with north and south magnetic poles, respective-
ly. In this case, however, since the south magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the
magnetic pole P3, torque is not generated in the double~pole
permanent magnet Mb, either.
In the third state of the di.splay element E, shown in
Fig. 8, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means J2 and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4 as shown
in Fig. 9, then the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes
the first rotational position and, consequently, the display
element E is changed over from the third state to the first
state in which display surface Fl faces the front, and
retained in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively. In this case, however, since
the south and north magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole por-
tions Pla and P2b, respectively, clockwise torque is gnerated
~ 33 -
~Z~29
in the double~pole permanent magnet Ma to turn it clock-
wise, along with the double-pole permanent magnet Mb. In
consequence, the north and south magnetic poles of the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma are brough-t into oppositing
relation to the magnetic pole portions Plb and P2a of the
magnetic member Bl now serving as the south and north
magnetic poles, respectively, and the north magnetic pole
of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is brought into
opposing relation to the magnetic pole P4 of the magnetic
member B2. Then, by the power supply to the exciting
winding L2 via the power supply means J4, the magnetic poles
P3 and P4 of the magnetlc member B2 are magnetized with
south and north magnetic poles, respectively. And, in this
case, since the north magnetic pole of the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magnetic pole P4,
clockwise torque is generated in the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb to turn it clockwise, along with the double-pole
permanent magnet Ma. In consequence, the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are
brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole portions
Pla and P2b of the magnetic member Bl now serving as the
south and north magnetic poles, respectively, and the north
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is
brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole P3 of
the magnetic member B2 now serYing as the south magnetic
~ 34 -
pole. And once the display element E is brought into such
a state, torque is no longer produced in either of the
double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
In the third s-tate of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 8, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll via the power supply means J2 and then to the
exciting winding L2 vla the power supply means J3 as shown
in Fig. 10, then the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q as-
sumes the aforementioned fourth ro-tational position and,
consequently, the display element E is changed over from
the third state to the fourth~ state in which the display
surface F4 faces the front, and retained in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to -the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b~ of the
magnetic member Bl are magnetized with south and north
magnetic poles, respectively. And in this case, since the
south and north magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole portions Pla and
P2b, respectively, clockwise torque is generated in the
double-pole permanent magnet Ma to turn it clockwise, along
with the double-pole permanent magnet Mb. In consequence,
the north and south magnetic poles of the double~pole per-
manent magnet Ma are brought into opposing relation to the
- 35 -
magnetic pole portiOns Plb and P2a of the magnetic member
Bl now actiny as south and north magnetic poles, respective-
ly, and the north magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent
magnet Mb is brought into opposing relation to the magnetic
pole portion P4. Then, by the power supply to the exciting
winding L2 via the power supply means J3, the magnetic poles
P3 and P4 of the magnetic member B2 are magnetized with
north and south magnetic poles, respectively. And, in this
case, since the north magnetic pole of the double~pole per-
manent magnet Mb lies opposite to the magnetic pole P4, notorque is generated in the double-pole permanent magnet Mb.
After all, the north and south magnetic poles of the double-
pole permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole
portions Plb and P2a of the magnetic member Bl now acting
as the south and north magnetic poles, respecti~vely. and
the north magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet
Mb is brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole
P3 of the magnetic memb'er B2 now serving as the south
magnetic pole. And once the display element E is brought
into such a state, torque is no longer is produced in
either of the double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
In the third state of the display element E, shown in
Fig. 8, if the power source is connected to the exciting
winding Ll ~ia the power supply means Jl and then to the
exciting winding L2 via the power supply means J4 as shown
- 36 -
in Fig. 11, the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q assumes
the aforementioned second rotational position and, conse-
quently, the display element E is changed over from the
third state to the second state in which the display surface
F2 faces the front, and retained in this state.
The reason is as follows: By the power supply to the
exciting winding Ll via the power supply means Jl, the
magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and Plb)
and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic mernber Bl are magnetized with north and south
magnetic poles, respectively. In thls case, however, since
the north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnet Ma lie opposite to the magnetic pole por-
tions Pla and P2b, respectively, no torque is produced in
the double-pole permanent magnet Ma. Then, by the power
supply to the exciting winding L2 via the power supply means
J4, however, the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic
member B2 are magnetized with south and north magnetic
poles, respectively and, in this case, since the south
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb lies
opposite to the magnetic pole P3, counterclockwise torque
is produced in the double-pole permanent magnet Mb to turn
it counterclockwise, along with the double-pole permanent
magnet Ma. In consequence, the south and north magnetic
poles of the double-pole permanent magnet Ma are brought
- 37 -
~Z~;IZ~
into opposing relation to the magnetic pole portions Plb
and P2a of the magnetic member Bl now acting as the south
and north magnetic poles, respectively, and the south
magnetic pole of the double-pole permanent magnet Mb is
brought into opposing relation to the magnetic pole P4 of
the magnetic member B2 now acting as the north magnetic
pole. And once the display element E is brought into such
a state, torque is no longer produced in either of the
double-pole permanent magnets Ma and Mb.
The foregoing is a description of the arrangement of
an embodiment of the display unit employing the rotating
display element according to the present invention. With
such an arrangement, as will be appreciated from the fore-
going description, the display surfaces Fl to F4 of the
display surface structure D forming the display element E
can selectively be made to face the front by a simple oper-
ation of selecting the power supply to the exciting winding
Ll via the power supply means J2 and then to the exciting
winding L2 via the power supply means J4, the power supply
to the exciting winding Ll via the power supply means J2
and then to the exciting winding L2 via the power supply
means J3, the power supply to the exciting winding L1 via
the power supply means J1 and then to the exciting winding
L2 via the power supply means J4, and the power supply to
the exciting winding L1 via the power supply means J1 and
- 38 -
29
then to the exciting windin~ L2 Yia the power supply,means J3.
In the cases where the display surfaces Fl to F4 of
the display surface structure D are selected to face the
front, even if the power supply to the exciting windings
Ll and L2 of the stator S of the motor mechanism Q is OFF
the display surfaces can be maintained in position without
the necessity of providing any particular means therefore
and no power consumption is involved therefore, since the
north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent
magnet member M (comprising the double-pole permanent
magnets Ma and Mb) of the rotor R of the motor mechanism Q
act on the magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla
and Plb) and P2 (the magnetic pole portions P2a and P2b) of
the magnetic member Bl of the stator S of the motor mecha~
nism Q and the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the magnetic
member B2 of the stator S.
Since the motor mechanism Q for turning the display
surface structure D is incorporated therein, a drive mecha-
nism for turning the display surface structure D need not
be provided separately of the display element E.
The means for selecting the display surfaces Fl to F4
of the display surface structure D of the display element E
is very simple because it is formed by the power supply
means Jl and J2 for the exciting winding Ll of the stator S
forming the motor mechanism Q and the power supply means J3
- 39 -
and J4 for the exciting winding L2 of the s'ator S.
The foregoing description should be construed as merely
illustratlve of the present invention. The same results
as those described in the foregoing can also be obtained
by disposing the north magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnets Ma and Mb of the double-pole permanent
magnet member M of the rotor R at different rotational
angular positions around the rotary shaft 11 and disposing
their south magnetic poles at different rotational angular
positions around the rotary shaft 11 accordingly but main-
taining unchanged the relationships of the north and south
magnetic poles of the double-pole permanent magent Ma to
the magnetic poles Pl (the magnetic pole portions Pla and
Plb~ and P2 (the magnetic poleportions P2a and P2b) of the
magnetic member Bl of the stator S and the relationships
of the north and south magnetic poles of the double-pole
permanent magnet Mb to the magnetic poles P3 and P4 of the
magnetic member B2 of the stator S.
Furthermore, it is also possible to obtain the same
results as described previously even if the double-pole
permanent magnet member M is formed by one double-pole
permanent magnet Mc instead of the two double-pole perma-
nent magnets Ma and Mb as shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 15
corresponding to Figs. 2, 3 and 4 although no detailed des-
cription will be given.
- 40 -
3~
Moreover~ while in the foregoing embodiment the magne
tic poles Pl and P2 of the magnetic member B1 of the stator
S are shown to be formed by the pairs of magnetic pole
portions Pla, Plb and P2a and P2b, respectively, it is also
possible to constitute each of the magnetic poles Pl and P2
by one magnetic pole portion as shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18
corresponding to Figs. 2, 3 and 4 although no detailed des-
cription will be given. In this case, however, the double-
pole permanent magnet M is turned to assume respective
rotational positions as shown in Figs. 19 to 26 correspond
ing to Figs. 5 to 12 although no detailed description will
be given.
It is also possible, of course, that in the case where
the magnetic poles Pl and P2 of the stator S are each formed
by one magnetic pole portion as described above in respect
of Figs. 16 to 18, the double-pole permanent magnet M of
the rotor R is formed by one double-pole permanent magnet
MC as shown in Figs. 27 to 29 corresponding to Figs. 2 to 4.
It will be apparent that many modifications and vari-
ations may be effected without departing from the scope of
the novel concepts of the present invention.
- 41 -
